Approval for £350m Stockport 8

Stockport Council has voted to grant permission to the landmark project, which would see the building of up to 1,328 homes on eight acres straddling King Street West in the town centre.

Stockport 8 is being developed by a joint venture made up of Stockport Council and English Cities Fund, itself a partnership made up of Homes England, Muse, and Legal & General.

The approved application was a hybrid one, with outline permission for the entire project featured as well as details for its first phase.

This phase, designed by architect Shedkm, would include three apartment blocks of up to 11 storeys with a total of 435 apartments between them. On the ground level would be a total of 9,500 sq ft of commercial space. The flats are to be energy efficient and capable of achieving net zero status.

Of the 435 apartments, 82 are affordable. Of those, 59 have been designed to meet accessible and adaptable standards.

In addition to the residential blocks, the project includes a new public square, cycle lanes along King Street West and Viaduct Street, sustainable drainage systems, and the planting of more trees.

Main contractor Vinci is aiming to be on site building this phase next year, with an eye to completing the work in 2028.

Future phases of Stockport 8 are 413 homes on what is known as Plot 2 and 480 homes on Plot 3. Plot 2 is bordered by King Street West, Wood Street, Chestergate, and Gough Street. Plot 3 is south of Daw Bank. These phases will become the developer’s focus in 2029.

The entire scheme has a projected development cost of £350m.

“This isn’t about old Stockport or new Stockport – it’s about building a better Stockport for everyone,” said Stockport Council Leader Cllr Mark Roberts.

“Stockport 8 is part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, giving us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a place that works for families, young people and older generations alike.”

ECF development director Joe Stockton added: “It was clear during the community consultation that Stopfordians are fiercely proud of their town, its heritage and its communities.

“So, we want to stay true to our word by making sure this remains a place for everyone, with homes to suit all ages and circumstances, and a place that celebrates the area’s strong community spirit and rich heritage,” he continued.

“People will start to see changes taking place quite quickly now as we get started on phase one.”

Stockport 8 is part of Stockport Council’s £1bn Town Centre West regeneration project, a scheme that is being spearheaded by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.

Stockport MDC managing director Catherine Chilvers spoke more about the organisation’s approach to Stockport 8.

“We’re not adopting a one-size-fits-all approach at Stockport 8 LLP, but instead, we are investing in high-quality and energy-efficient housing that offers so much more for people at all stages of life,” she said.

“The development sets the bar high for town centre living, creating a considered neighbourhood for residents along with leisure and employment opportunities, while outdoor squares, with a multitude of uses, will allow people to feel connected and enable families to grow.

In addition to Shedkm, the project team for Stockport 8 includes project manager Walker Sime, planner Deloitte, landscape architect Planit, MEP engineer Tace, structural and civil engineer Renaissance, transport consultant Arup, and engagement specialist Font Comms. Arcadis is the cost consultant.

To learn more about Stockport 8, search application reference number DC/094376 on Stockport Council’s planning portal.